Addiction Aftercare Programs in Atlanta

Addiction aftercare programs are created for individuals who have completed primary treatment programs like inpatient rehabilitation, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient programs. The importance of these programs is to provide follow-up, support, and continued treatment to assist in recovery. In Atlanta, GA, there are numerous addiction aftercare services available for individuals recovering from substance addiction.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Georgia had the 11th highest drug overdose death rates in the United States in 2018. Drug misuse has been a rising issue in the state, especially opioid use. This has prompted the development and success of addiction aftercare programs in the area.

There are several types of addiction aftercare services in Atlanta, GA, such as sober living homes, outpatient treatment, individual and group counseling, 12-step meetings, non-12-step meetings, alumni programs, and more. Aftercare often includes therapies like Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Family Counseling, Motivational Interviewing, and other treatments to help maintain the recovery progress made during initial treatment.

One of the renowned aftercare programs in Atlanta is the Road to Recovery, which offers a wide variety of services that ensure relapse prevention and long-term recovery. They provide individualized programs to meet the unique needs of individuals in long-term recovery.

The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse offers another aftercare service, Georgia's Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES) program. The CARES program, with over 260 specialists, assists people in recovery from addiction in creating and maintaining recovery plans.

Another popular program is the Atlanta Step-Up Society, which offers a structured living environment and programs that guide residents towards self-sufficiency.

Talbott Recovery’s Alumni Program is another aftercare program in Atlanta. It provides weekend retreats to keep alumni connected and engaged in their recovery process.

Statistically, the National Institute on Drug Abuse states that relapse rates decrease significantly when aftercare is a component of an individual’s addiction treatment plan. A study by Georgia State University found there was a 20% decrease in the likelihood of relapse when patients stayed engaged in aftercare programs for six months or longer.

The Atlanta metro area has some of the highest rates of substance misuse in the country, according to the Community Epidemiology Work Group. As such, there is a high demand for aftercare programs in this region. The opioid crisis, which has significantly impacted Atlanta, further emphasizes the need for robust aftercare services to prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery. In 2017, Georgia observed about 1,043 opioid-related overdose deaths at a rate of 9.7 deaths per 100,000 persons, compared to the average national rate of 14.6 overdose deaths per 100,000 persons.

In conclusion, the need for addiction aftercare programs in Atlanta, GA, is significant given the rising rates of substance misuse and relapse in the city and state. These programs provide the necessary continued support and treatment for individuals in recovery, helping to decrease relapse rates and promote long-term sobriety.